Leadership

In 2005, Brian Pitman and Jay Southworth had a vision, and left their respective positions as presidents of major title companies in Austin to create Independence Title Company. Independence now employs close to 400 people, and is licensed in more than 30 counties clustered around all four metro areas in Texas. Brian and Jay each have broad experience in the Texas title industry, and the Independence team values their open doors, open minds, and reliable humor. Ideas make a difference. Celebrate your independence at Independence Title.

Jay Southworth

Chairman & CEO

Jay Southworth, Chairman/CEO, is a native Austinite who had his first job in the title industry when he was 19 years old at Austin Title, which was a local independent company at that time. Jay was a natural leader, and over the next 18 years he served as Assistant VP/Plant Manager, Executive VP/General Manager, and was named President of Austin Title in 1999. He stayed at that post until partnering with Brian Pitman to form Independence Title in 2005. Jay is a good listener, has a genius for numbers, and nominates Brian whenever public speaking is required. Jay and his wife Nancy have three children, and have been actively involved in various community activities in Westlake for the past 25 years.

Brian Pitman

President & COO

Brian Pitman, President/COO, was born and raised in Sherman, TX. He left Sherman to attend The University of Texas at Austin. Like many Longhorns after graduation, Brian had to find employment outside Austin, and returned to Sherman to work as a real estate agent and broker. He got his start in the title business in 1991, joining Chapin Title Company in Sherman where he managed the operation. In 1998 Brian fulfilled his dream of getting back to Longhorn country. He and his wife Shelle moved their family to Austin, where he became Division President of First American Title Company, remaining at the helm until he resigned to form Independence Title with Jay Southworth in 2005. Brian has been active in the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) for many years and served as the President in 2010- 11. He received the association’s highest honor in 2008 when he was named “Title Person of the Year.” Brian has also been involved in the American Land Title Association (ALTA). He has served on various groups within ALTA and has been a member of the ALTA Board of Governors for the years of 2013-2015. Brian and Shelle have three children.